Furniture construction



A. G. VAN sYoc, sR 2,982,424 FURNxTuRE CONSTRUCTION May 2, 1961 Filed Dec. 5, 1958 INVENTOR. AUBURN G vAN soc sn.

ATroRIJesYs United States Patent C 2,982,424 FURNITURE coNsTRUciroN uburn G. Van Syoc, Sr., Belding, Mich., assignor to Lu Van,lnc., Belding, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Dec. s, 195s, ser. No. 771,901

1 claims. (ci. 2li-14s) d This invention relates to -a furniture construction. More particulalry, this invention relates tol a furniture construction of the type adapted to be shipped disaslsembled or knocked down and easily assembled by the purchaser with a minimum use of tools.

i Due to the high cost of'transit, many maufacturers attempt to ship furniture constructions disassembled in order to keep costs at a minimum. The shipment of large units of furniture in disassembled condition is also stood from comparatively simple instructions. Secondly,

after the purchaser has assembled the furniture construction, it must be rigid and stable and must remain so during its use. It must be capable of withstanding racking, if the user is to be satisfied with the product. Thirdly, the assembled piece of furniture must be pleasing in appearance, freeof exposed fasteners and unsightly seams and ridges vwhich betray a home made job.

- Up to the present time, furniuture constructions of this type have 4generally utilized threaded fasteners in their assembly. v However, such connections have many inherent disadvantages. When assembling the furniture,` construction, one must have the correct tools, and some# Ytime's special tools for those fasteners located in 'rather` awkward positions. Along with requiringftoolsl of al` d certain nature, such assembly requires time and patience. v

' Because tolerance accumulations tend to misalign holes',

Vwhen the parts Vare assembled, ,the fastener .holes` must 1` be oversized. This materially 'reducesbeaiing YThough the-'structure may be rigid at first, racking willv loosen the"fasteners destroying the structuresfrigidity. d' Ordi-` nary use, for exainple,`leaning"ft-inthel rfurniture construction, moving it,`d`bumpi`ng"'into it, and so' on, will induce :rackingwhich is certain rto initiate this loss of rigidity. f

It ,isobvious that such connections will Vcontinually need tightening andafter afperiod of use, evenY tightening will" not suice to, restore rigidity. Thus, thelruseable lifeYUo-f the furniture islreduced because of an improperconnection.kr Y Y VStill further, conventional fasteners are Vdifficult to conceal andwhen exposed detractfrom thefurnitures' appearance.` it `is difficult to paint* the vexposedpositions` of conventional fastenersrand if painting is attempted,V it?v d will soon chip when ,tightening `is necessary, rendering` VCC practical since the average purchaser lacks equipment for their installation.

It is an object of ths invention to provide a furnitureV construction which is pleasing in appearance. The embodiment ofthis invention shown in the drawingsV is especially well adapted to be used as a room divider.- However, it will be obvious that the principles described herein may be used in many types of furniture constructions, for example, bookcases. Y

An understanding of these principles Will disclose that a furniture construction may be provided which has straight, cleanlines, free of unsightly nuts and bolts.

It is another object of this invention to provide a furniture construction which may b assembled by the ultimate purchaser thereof very quickly and easily, with a minimum use of tools. The furniture construction provided isrigid when assembled and will remain so during use. The teachings of this invention disclose a simple and inexpensively manufactured furnitureV construction. The many disadvantages of detachable fastener connections are entirely eliminated. The manufacturer is able tovship the furniture knocked down or f disassembled and be assured that any ultimate purchaser will be' able to assemble it and be entirely satised with its rigidity and stability.

These and other objects of this invention will become obvious to those'skilled in the art of furniture construction upon reading the accompanying specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. l is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a furniture construction utilizing the principles of thisA invention. Y v Y 4Figj2 is a front, perspective view of an end membe with the shelves separated therefrom. Y d

Fig. 3 is atop, perspective view of the bracing and shelf-supporting web utilized in this invention.

Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective View of a right rear corner portion of one of the shelves of the furniture, construction of Fig, l showing the connection of the shelf tothe web and shelf supportingme'mber thereat.

Fig'. 5 is `a cross sectionalviewtaken alongy the planeI V--VofFig.4, Y "l Y d Fig. 6 is across Vsectional view taken along the plane VIVIofFig. 1. i j j v Fig; 7*is a cross sectional viewt'akenalong the planel VII- VII of Fig. 4.Y Briefly, this invention-relates to a furniture construction having a pair of upright end standards. A Vplurality of shelf-supporting brackets are mounted oneach of the end members in corresponding positions; Tlle"b`racket's`l include a shelf-supporting surface and avpair of' prongs" extending inwardly fromrthe standards and" generally per-' pendicular thereto; The shelves'utili'zed 'have' depending? flanges'along both the front and rear edges'thereof, the" anges-beingbent inwardly and upwardly Ytofform .geul` prongs frictionally envelopedfbyl the U.shaped 'channelsy` and the shelves resting on the shelfesu'pporting surfaces. Referring tothe drawings; theV upright 'nd standards" are designatedgby the reference; numerals- 1 and 2- (Fig):

the appearance` of the furniture constructionworsethalf.`

i Y ifV they had-neverbeen? painted "at all'. Clean, unbroken lines in the'furlniture` construction cannotbe :achievedh withfremvablefastener* connections. Rivetsare not Vnext'desfcfribed;` v-

d supports for this 1a.)- Seeured to each of the standards l and 2 arev aplug,

vrality of bracing and` shelf-supporting brackets 1 Q\(Figs.

Secured to a corresponding pair of brackets( 1 and 31). n

19 are slielvsiZtliFigs. l and'2). l

in the". embodiment ofV this invention shown by drawings, the .upriglitzendstandards are one; pice :con: struction, having'gth'e general shape of'aninvert'ed U.

pair of these inverted' ill-shapedfstandards forni" enti; furniture rconstruction, being braced aS A plurality of bracing and shelf-supporting brackets are secured in corresponding positions on standards 1 and 2 (Figs. 1 and 2). Each of the brackets 10 are fabricated from a single piece of material, thereby giving it the attributes of strength and ease of fabrication (Fig. 3). Each `bracket 10 includes va main body 11 with a pair of prongs 12 and 13, one prong extending from each end thereof, generally perpendicular to the plane of the main body 11. Holes 14 and 15 are positioned respectively in the prongs 12 and 13, and the respective ends 18 and 19 are sharpened, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

A ange 16 extends from the top of the main body 11 of each bracket 10. Flange 16 is offset along its length, such that a portion 17 thereof lies in the same plane asthe tops of the prongs 12 and 13. The brackets 10 are secured to the upright end members 1 and 2 by placing them between the legs of the U-shaped standards with the prongs 12 and 13 extending inwardly thereof and secured to the legs of the end members. This may be done in any suitable manner, such as welding at 8 and 9 (Figs. 4 and 6). It will now be obvious that brackets 10 provide rigid braces for the end members 1 and 2 thereby producing complete, rigid end standards. y

It will be noted that the brackets 10 are of one piece construction and their fabrication consists merely in severing the proper shape from a blank and bending it to form the bracket as described. The brackets 10 are mounted on the standards 1 and 2 at the situs of fabrication. Because they only slightly increase the size of the standards, the shipping package will be no bigger than if the standards 1 and 2 where shipped alone.

The shelves 20.are also fabricated from one piece of material. Each shelf has a depending ange along both its front and back edges. The ends 25 and Z6 of both anges are reversely and upwardly bent to form a pair of U-shaped channels 23 and 24 respectively (Fig. 2). The height of the U-shaped channels 23 and 24 is approximately equal to the height of the prongs 12 and 13 of brackets 10, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

The U-shaped channels are of a width such that they may frictionally envelope prongs 12 and 13 of brackets 10. Positioned near each end of each of the inside legs 25 and 26 is an ear 27 (Figs. 4 and 5). Ears 27 project from the inside legs 25 and 26 outwardly into the U- blow which will force the prongs 12 and 13 into the U-shaped channels 23 and 24, respectively.

The ears 27 are positioned such that they will resiliently snap into the holes 14 and 15 of prongs 12 and 13 when the prongs are fully inserted into the U-shaped channels. This is all that is required to attach one end of a shelf to one of the brackets 10on a standard. Similar steps will attach one end of each of the other shelves to the other brackets.

The other ends of the shelves 20 are attached to the corresponding brackets 10 on the other standard in the same manner.

This construction imparts long lasting rigidity and stability to furniture. The bracing and shelf-supporting brackets 10 provide a plurality of braces for the inverted U-shaped standards. Thus, the standards themselves, with the brackets 10 secured thereto, are very rigid. Be-

cause the height of the prongs 12 and 13 is approximately equal to the height of the U-shaped channels 23 and 24, vertical racking is virtually impossible. Because the width of the prongs 12 and 13 is approximately equal to that of the U-shaped channels 23 and 24, a substantial area of.

tight bearing is created eliminating horizontal racking.

Further, the ears 27, being snapped into the holes 14 and 15 in the prongs 12 and 13, prevent any longitudinal movement of the prongs within the U-shaped channels. In one direction, the channels bind against the standards (Fig. 5) and in the other direction the ends of the ears 27 bind against the edges of the holes 14 and 15. Thus, it will be noted that rigidity is provided to all three directions, eliminating any possibility of racking. This gives maximum rigidity to the furniture construction. Because of the nature of the various parts of this invention, this shaped channels and away fromthe ends thereof. The

exact positioning and purpose of the ears will be brought forth when the assembly of this furniture construction is described.

` Assembly and operation As noted hereinbefore, the upright standards 1 and 2, the brackets 10 and the shelves 20 are all one piece construction. The brackets 10 are secured in corresponding positions to the standards 1 and 2 at the situs of fabrication. Thus, the Vfurniture construction, as for example,

i `vTo assemble this furniture, a standard 1 or 2 is grasped with one handV and with theV other hand aj shelf 20 is positioned adjacent thereto., The sharpened ends 18 and 19 ofy prongs 12 and V13.are aligned with the U-shaped channels'23 and 24 and guided into them. As noted hereinbefore, the prongs are vfrictionally enveloped by the Ufshapedchannels 23 and 24. vFirmly graspingth'e shelf 20, the other hand may be used to deliver a, rq\ui c k sharp rigidity will be long lasting, as there is nothing to wear or loosen. Thus, this furniture construction is rigid when assembled and will remain so throughout its use, periodical adjustment and tightening being unnecessary.

Because of the absence of threaded fasteners in the assembly of this furniture construction, the usual problems of appearance arising therefrom are not present. In fact, it will be noted from an examination of Fig. l that there are no unsightly joints to advertise the fact that the furniture was not factory assembled.

When the shelves are completely assembled to the terminal brackets the ends of the shelves rest upon the offset portions 17 of flanges 16. This permits the surfaces of the shelves 20 to lie flush with the top surfaces of the 4 flanges 16. This provides end support for the shelves preventing thern from being dished. A

It has been shown how this invention provides a furniture construction which may be shipped knocked down and be very quickly assembled by the purchaser. The assembling of this furniture construction is extremely easy and does not require the use of any specific tools. This invention further provides a furniture construction which is extremely rigid and will remain so throughout its use. The assembled piece of furniture is pleasing in appearance because all connections are concealed.

Although only one embodiment of this invention has been described, it is possible to practice this invention in other embodiments. All such embodiments are con sidered to be within the spirit and scope of this invention, unless the appended claims expressly .state other- Wise.

I claim:

1. A- furniture construction comprising; a pair of end standards each having a pair of parallel prongs; a member for joining said standards together; said member having a generally U-shaped channel along each of a pair of its marginal edges and generally perpendicularly disposed to the plane of said member; said prongs being received in the ends of said channels and tightly frictionally engaging the walls of said channels for holding said standards to said member; an ear having a free end extendng into each of said. channels adjacent each ofthe 5 ends thereof; said ears projecting away from said ends of said channels; a shoulder on each of said prongs engaged by said free ends of said ears when said prongs are fully received in said channels for locking saidstandards against separation from said member.

2. A furniture construction comprising: Ia pair of upright end standards; a plurality of shelf-supporting brackets mounted on each of said end standards in corresponding `positions, said shelf-supporting brackets each including a shelf-supporting surface, a pair -of parallel prongs extending inwardly of each of said end vstandards and generally perpendicular thereto, and a hole in each of said prongs; a plurality of shelves, said shelves each including depending flanges along their front and back edges, said flanges reversely bent inwardly and upwardly forming generally U-shaped channels, and an ear near each end of each of said U-shaped channels, said ears projecting inwardly into said U-shaped channels and away from the ends thereof; and said shelves secured to acorresponding pair of said shelf-supporting brackets, said prongs frictionally engaged with the walls of said U-shaped channels, said ears projecting into said holes, and said shelves resting on said shelf-supporting surfaces.

3. A furniture construction comprising: a pair of upright end standards; a plurality of shelf-supporting brackets, each of said shelf-supporting brackets having a back, a prong at each of its ends extending generally perpendicular from said back and a ange along the top of said back extending generally perpendicular to said back in the same direction as said prongs and a portion of said flange lying in the same plane as the tops of said prongs; said shelf-supporting brackets mounted in corresponding positions on said end standards such that said prongs extend inwardly from said end standards and lie generally perpendicular thereto; a plurality of shelves, each shelf having a depending Iiange` along its front and rear edges; said depending flanges reversely bent inwardly and upwardly to form generally U-shaped channels; and said shelves secured to said corresponding shelf-supporting brackets, said prongs frictionally engaged with the walls of said U-shaped channels 'and said shelves resting on said portion of said top flange of said shelf-supporting brackets.

4. A furniture construction comprising: a pair of upright end standards; a plurality of shelf-supporting brackets, each of said shelf-supporting brackets having a back, a prong at each of its ends extending generally perpendicular from said back, a hole in each of said prongs land a ange along the top of said back extending generally perpendicular to said back in the same direction as said prongs and a portion of said ange lying in the same plane as the tops of said prongs; said shelf-supporting brackets mounted in corresponding positions on said end standards such that said prongs extend inwardly from said end standards and lie generally perpendicular thereto; a plurality of shelves, each shelf having a depending flange along its front and rear edges; `said depending flanges reversely bent inwardly and upwardly to form generally U-shaped channels; an ear near each end of the inward leg of each of said U-shaped channels, said ears projecting inwardly into said U-shaped channels and away from the ends thereof; and said shelves secured to a corresponding pair of said shelf-supporting brackets, said prongs frictionally engaged with the walls of said U- shaped channels, said ears projecting into said holes, and said shelves resting on said portion of said top ange of said shelf-supporting brackets.

5. A furniture construction, comprising a pair of generally inverted U-shaped end standards; a plurality of bracing and shelf-supported brackets, said brackets including a main body, prongs extending from the ends thereof generally perpendicular to said body, a hole in each of said prongs, a flange along the top of said body extending in the same direction as said prongs, and a portion of said llange lying in the same plane as the tops of said prongs; said brackets mounted on said end standards such that said prongs extend inwardly thereof; a plurality of shelves, each shelf having depending iianges along its front and rear edges; each of said flanges reversely bent inwardly and upwardly forming generally U-shaped channels; the distance from the yolk of said U-shaped channel to said shelf being generally equal to the height of said prongs; ears projecting from the inner leg of each of said U-shaped channels, said ears positioned near the ends of said inner leg and projecting inwardly toward the other leg of said U-shaped channel and away from said ends; and said shelves secured to said brackets, said prongs frictionally engaged with the walls of said U shaped channels, said ears projecting into said holes, and said shelves resting on said portions of said anges of said brackets.

6. A bookcase construction of the character described, comprising a pair of lvertical side frame members supporting a plurality of horizontal shelves between them, said side frame members being provided with horizontally extending wing elements and said shelves being provided with socket portions adapted to receive said wing elements in order to hold said side frame members and said shelves together in assembled form, said side frame members being provided with a plurality of horizontally extending angle bars secured thereto, each of said angle bars having a vertically extending component which is secured to said side frame members and having a horizontal component which its under a shelf between its respective socket portions in order to support the shelf.

7 A furniture construction comprising: a pair of end standards each having a pair of parallel prongs; a member for joiningV said standards together, said member having a generally U-shaped channel along each of a pair of its marginal edges and generally perpendicularly disposed to the plane of said member, said prongs being received in the ends of said channels and tightly frictionally engaging the walls of said channels for holding said standards to said member; and interengaging means for locking said standards against separation from said member.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,187,914 Kirsch June 20, 1916 1,871,972 Fenstermaker Aug. 16, 1932 2,315,595 Chappory Apr. 6, 1943 

